Artist Chris Nelson RA creates a unique blend of mixed media drawings that draw inspiration from architecture, graffiti, surrealism, and graphic design. Each piece is a journey of exploration and experimentation, originally made from discarded chipboard panels that showcase sustainability by finding beauty in discarded items and giving them a new life. The combination of structured architectural elements and spontaneous graffiti creates a dynamic visual language that challenges traditional drawing boundaries. By transforming discarded materials into artistic inspiration, Nelson demonstrates art’s ability to emerge from overlooked spaces, inviting viewers to engage with layered meanings.

In 2011, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) sought innovative ideas for a new museum experience on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The competition invited architects and designers to envision bold concepts that would redefine how visitors interact with both the space and the art.

My proposal included plans for a second-floor café that would provide an extensive view of the Williamsburg Bridge, featuring an elliptical opening in the façade to enhance the connection between the museum and its vibrant surroundings. This design incorporated flexible gallery spaces within the interior, allowing for diverse exhibitions and events.

The main entrance was strategically placed beneath a cantilevered auditorium, guiding visitors into a central courtyard. This space served as an accessible hub, linking the café, galleries, and auditorium.

The overarching vision focused on creating a dynamic and engaging facility that would serve as a smaller-scale yet impactful intervention within the urban landscape. The graphic façade was designed not only to attract attention but also to establish a strong identity for the museum, enhancing its presence in a bustling neighborhood. This holistic integration of form and function exemplified a forward-thinking approach to this exhilarating cultural space.

Chris sees video as a dynamic extension of photography. He started experimenting with video in an architectural studio course. This experience led him to incorporate video into his artistic expression.

In 2008, Chris launched RA-NYC, a t-shirt line that reflected his unique style. To promote the brand, he used video as a powerful marketing tool. He showed designs through engaging visual stories. This first experiment with video not only made RA-NYC more visible but also helped him understand video as a storytelling medium.

As Chris’s skills grew, he started shooting, directing, and editing music videos for hip hop artists. This allowed him to explore different aspects of video production. He got to work with different talents and mix his passion for fashion with the vibrant energy of music. But over the past few years, he’s been focusing less on video, which has made him think about how to reintegrate video into his creative practice. Maybe he’ll revisit the things that first drew him to it. From architectural inspiration to brand promotion and musical expression, Chris’s journey with video shows how his artistic endeavors are all connected.

It is not always necessary to have a precise vision of the final product in mind before Chris commences painting. Instead, he draws inspiration from the physical properties of the paint, the creative process itself, and everyday life. The final image gradually emerges as he discovers forms and depth in the layers of lines and fields of color over time.

Located in the southwest corner of Massachusetts, this ground up residence embodies a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. Designed for a family transitioning from the hustle of New York City, the home prioritizes spaciousness and serenity.

The floor plan, rooted in Feng Shui principles, promotes a balanced flow of energy throughout the living spaces. Minimalist design elements enhance this tranquility, allowing the natural surroundings to take center stage. Large windows frame views of the heavily wooded valley, integrating the outdoors with the indoors and fostering a sense of connection to nature.

Construction techniques leverage low-tech methods, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency without sacrificing modern comforts. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also ensures that the home remains comfortable year-round. The result is a contemporary dwelling that serves as a peaceful retreat, inviting family bonding and relaxation away from urban life.

Designing logos is always a great time because it’s not a straightforward process. I’ve had the pleasure of creating logos for a bunch of artists over the years, including myself.

Painting on paper presents a distinctive opportunity to accumulate various media over time. Similar to other surfaces, painting on paper facilitates the occurrence of color bleeding, but it differs in that Chris retains the ability to draw with precision. Additionally, he can explore the capabilities of acrylic paint and how it interacts with charcoal, pastel, markers, and watercolor. The material Chris paints on assumes a defining role in the overall composition, to the extent that Chris defiantly celebrates the material.

The 1Haus project represents a thoughtful blend of modern design and historic preservation. By adding a contemporary structure next to a century-old Colonial house, the project enhances the property's functionality while paying homage to its rich history. The new living spaces are designed to foster interaction with the outdoors, offering inviting front and expansive backyards that encourage leisure and communal activities.

This addition is not merely an extension but a reframing of the existing architectural narrative. The contrast between the modern design and the historical elements of the Colonial house sparks a dialogue that honors the past while embracing the future. Utilizing innovative yet honest construction techniques, the project celebrates the heritage of the original structure while providing a fresh perspective through strong architectural gestures that redefine the living experience.

Ultimately, the 1Haus project serves as a reminder of the possibilities that arise when history and modernity coexist harmoniously, creating spaces that are both functional and reflective of their surroundings.

Photography uniquely explores urban spaces by capturing moments with a camera, highlighting often-overlooked city life details. Chris's minor in photography honed his eye for light, shadow, and structure in cities. The rise of smartphone cameras has democratized this art, encouraging creative engagement with surroundings. With cameras readily available, spontaneous exploration and instant sharing of street scenes, architecture, and daily life are now possible. As Chris moves through urban areas, he engages in a dialogue between his environment and artistic vision. Photography remains a vital medium for expression and reflection in modern urban settings.

Different materials absorb paint in distinct ways, influencing the speed at which a brush or marker traverses its surface. Plywood stands out as a unique material that absorbs paint but exhibits minimal color bleeding. This characteristic of plywood results in distinct visual effects and painting techniques compared to canvas or paper. Chris delves into the concept of paint opacity by employing layered graphic compositions, which presents opportunities to create depth by exploring connections between the layers.

Located in the Berkshire Mountains, this house embodies a thoughtful evolution from its original concept as a modern cabin to a fully realized modern home. Utilizing natural materials, the design fosters a profound connection with its surroundings, harmonizing with the landscape. Its strategic placement on a hill allows it to coexist gracefully with the trees, while the roof line and datum lines create a visual unity that directs attention to the breathtaking mountain views.

Design efforts emphasize the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, accomplished through a generous breezeway that encourages fluid movement. The strong roof line contributes to the house’s architectural presence, while modern, yet simple details leave a lasting impression of elegance and functionality. This balanced approach not only respects the natural environment but also enhances the living experience within the home.

In 2008, I found myself surrounded by an abundance of unused sketchbooks, each filled from front to back with my drawings. This prompted a creative shift; I decided to transform those sketches into a t-shirt line, giving birth to RA-NYC. This venture became more than just a clothing brand; it was a dynamic creative outlet that connected me with a diverse community of artists, particularly within the hip-hop scene.

My immersion in the brand was total. I took on the multifaceted roles of creating artwork, designing the logo, building the website, and coordinating photo shoots. Each stage taught me valuable lessons about the importance of branding and promotion. While I stepped away from printing t-shirts in 2013, the experience was invaluable. I cultivated a network within Brooklyn’s creative community that continues to influence my work and projects today.

Watercolor presents unique challenges for artists, but these challenges lead to innovative expressions of creativity. Chris navigates watercolor with unpredictability, transforming fluidity into dynamic compositions. Expressive washes of color create vibrant backdrops for exploring spatial relationships. Color and graphic line techniques enhance visual appeal and introduce depth and form. This approach invites viewers to engage with the artwork, appreciating the balance between control and spontaneity in watercolor painting.

HB:BX was Chris's competition proposal aiming to create a vibrant cultural center nestled among the industrial rail lines at the base of one of the High Bridge piers. This innovative space will provide direct access for patrons coming from the bridge, enhancing its connectivity to the community and surrounding areas.

Drawing inspiration from hip hop history, the programming and aesthetic of the center will celebrate the rich culture and artistic expression born from this influential genre. The facility will accommodate various activities, featuring lecture halls for educational and community events, an auditorium designed for musical performances, lectures, and presentations, as well as dedicated visual artist studios to foster creativity.

Additionally, the center will house a gallery for showcasing artworks, a spacious terrace for outdoor gatherings, and a café that serves as a gathering place for visitors. The architectural design of the building aims to be visually striking, incorporating graffiti concepts that resonate with the urban environment. A dramatic cantilevered gallery space will emerge from the highway, offering a unique vantage point and an engaging experience for all who visit.

Through HB:BX, the proposal seeks to create a dynamic hub that honors hip hop culture while contributing to the community's cultural landscape.